Brierfield fitness instructor prepares for her first London Marathon

Charlotte Dalzell, who works at Bodies in Motion, Brierfield, has been training for four months ahead of the run which is six weeks away.

Running 26 miles and 385 yards may be daunting for some but Charlotte, who has never run a marathon or half marathon before, is taking it all in her stride.

She said: “I’m running it more for a personal challenge than for charity but I am raising money for Make a Wish, a charity for terminally ill children who make their last wish.

“I’m quite nervous, it’s a completely new experience for me. I’ve been running 11 miles four days a week in training which I’ll be bringing up to 20 miles in the next few weeks.

“I started my training properly in November after I found out I had a place but I’ve struggled doing it outdoors because of the weather so I’ve been running in the gym.

“I’ve never done a run before but I’ve set an estimated finishing time of five-and-a-half hours and I’ll have all my family there to cheer me on.”

To donate to Charlotte’s chosen charity, visit www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CharlotteDalzell